"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

No risk and all reward (if he pans out). He's someone I wanted. If not for the off field issues this guy was arguably an early second round pick. If he gets his act together and sticks, this could be a huge steal.

From a talent standpoint, Lyerla is one of the top 100 players of his class. However, red flags drop his draft stock. Last October, he was arrested for cocaine possession. Ultimately, he and Oregon parted ways from one another. Misgivings aside, Lyerla’s combination of size and athleticism is what teams want in the modern-day tight end. He’s a natural pass catcher and hustles on every play. With a high ceiling, it seems likely somebody will take a flier on him in the later rounds.

But within the hulking, reluctant star still resides the anxiety of an often painful childhood he doesn't care to revisit. Dysfunctional home life. Little direction. Plenty of anger and frustration.

To those who know him well, it's a miracle he is attending college, let alone starring for the nation's No. 2 ranked team.

How Lyerla has made it this far is one aspect of his past he doesn't mind discussing. How through the help of coaches, teachers, counselors, administrators and parents of friends he overcame precarious pitfalls to stay in school, remain focused and live up to his potential.

Quote:

The goal wasn't simply to get him to college but to provide him with the skills necessary to survive.

Hillsboro High turned out to be Lyerla's haven.

"I really just tried to stay focused and channel into sports," Lyerla says. "I spent all of my time at HilHi, really."

Says Ingram: "That's where he's at home, on the football field. When he could be there he was in his world."

If Driver were still on the team he would have been a huge asset to this young man.

Donald Driver doesn't need to be on the team to be an asset. That same application goes to the Johnny Jolly reference made earlier.

A man can help a man without being in the same uniform. We shouldn't have such boundaries when helping another person.

"I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything." - Nikola Tesla

You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.